What is SWIFT?

The Regional Maternity and Neonatal Team, South Central and West Commissioning Support Unit, and South West Neonatal Network are working together to pilot the SWIFT Service, which will provide a centralised service for organising in-utero transfers. The aim of the pilot is to standardise transfer requests, ensuring pre-term infants are delivered in the most appropriate setting for optimal outcomes. The pilot will run from 1st September 2025 to 28th February 2026, following which an evaluation will be completed to inform a business case for a permanent, sustainable service for the region.

The main aims and objectives of the pilot are:

Improved regional rate of pre-term infants born in the right place.
Reduced number of staff hours required to organise in-utero transfers (IUT).
Improved experience for staff organising and receiving transfers.
Improved communication for parents and families.

What do maternity and neonatal professionals need to do differently during the pilot?

During the pilot period healthcare professionals considering an in-utero transfer for their patient should contact the SWIFT service at the earliest opportunity and complete the IUT Request Form.

Tel: 0300 030 50 50

Email: swift@uhbw.nhs.uk

The SWIFT service can support with decision making around the suitability of transfer, and if it is determined transfer is required will contact the most appropriate units to organise a cot and bed. The pilot SOP, which details the process to follow during the pilot, and other supporting documents (including information for families) can be found below.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Each provider involved in the pilot has a pilot champion who can be contacted in the first instance with any questions and for support. Pilot champions for each provider are as below:

Providers with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)